Top the Cops™ Returns to Sonoma Raceway
on Wednesday, April 12
SONOMA, Calif. (April 7, 2017) - High school students can square off against Bay Area law enforcement officers on Sonoma Raceway's quarter-mile drag strip when the popular Top the Cops™ program returns as part of the raceway's weekly Wednesday Night Drags program, April 12.
The Top the Cop program, which enters its 23nd season this year, offers an alternative to illegal street racing and gives teens the chance to race against law enforcement officers, who compete in full uniform in their official vehicles. The program also provides a unique environment for the officers to talk with teens about safe driving and the rules of the road.
The program offers more than just fun racing on the drag strip. Since the program began, at least five Top the Cops high school competitors have entered law enforcement.
"For 23 years, Top the Cops has provided a very positive program and an incredibly unique way for local officer to connect with young drivers," said retired Santa Rosa police officer and program founder Kevin McKinnie.
Top the Cops will run in conjunction with the Wednesday Night Drags program at Sonoma Raceway, April 12-Aug. 30. Participants must have a current high school identification card and driver's license, and a car that passes a simple technical inspection. Students are given practice runs, which then lead to head-to-head competition against an officer in his/her patrol car.
The eight participating law enforcement agencies for 2017 are:
- Sonoma County Sheriff's Dept.
- California Highway Patrol
- Novato Police Dept.
- Fairfield Police Dept.
- City of Sonoma Police
- Fremont Police Dept.
- Petaluma Police Dept.
- Town of Windsor Police
Gates open at 3:30 p.m., with racing from 5-10 p.m. Cost is $15 for students (with high school ID card) and $10 for spectators. For more information about the Top the Cops or Wednesday Night Drags program, call 800-870-RACE (7223) or visit www.sonomaraceway.com/track/wednesday_night_drags/.
